Omnidirectional user configurable multi-camera housing

ABSTRACT

An omnidirectional user configurable multi-camera housing includes a top plate including one or more electronic circuit boards thereon; a track plate secured to the top plate by a plurality of first fasteners, wherein the track plate is rotationally movable with respect to the top plate via a respective curve-shaped opening that accommodates movement of a respective first fastener within the respective curve-shaped opening; a plurality of camera assemblies secured to the track plate by a plurality of magnetic devices, each of the camera assemblies including a camera and a bracket, movably installed on the track, wherein each of the camera is rotatable on a respective bracket in a plane perpendicular to the track plate, and wherein each of the bracket are rotatable in a plane including the track plate; and a transparent cover for covering the plurality of camera assemblies installed on the track plate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Patent Application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/682,974, filed Apr. 9, 2015, which claims thebenefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/009,760,filed on Jun. 9, 2014 and entitled “Omnidirectional User ConfigurableMulti-Camera Housing,” the entire content of which is hereby expresslyincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a multi-camera housing andmore specifically to an omnidirectional user configurable multi-camerahousing.

BACKGROUND

Typical security or monitoring cameras contain a single image sensorinside of a camera housing or have multiple image sensors in a fixedlocation inside a housing. These configurations offer a fixed field ofview (e.g., 180° or 360°). However, if a user needs to have multiple orvery specific fields of views then more camera housing must be acquired,requiring multiple installation of housings that leads to moreinstallation effort and cost, and potentially additional licensing feesfor any software that the camera housings may require. The ability touse different lens options is another feature that makes the device moreflexible. Typical multi-sensor cameras would have a fixed lens with noability to use different lenses to get different fields of views.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, the present invention is an omnidirectional userconfigurable multi-camera housing that includes a top plate includingone or more electronic circuit boards thereon; a track plate secured tothe top plate by a plurality of first fasteners, wherein the track plateis rotationally movable with respect to the top plate, when the firstfasteners are loosen; a plurality of camera assemblies movably installedon the track plate and within the top plate. Each of the plurality ofcamera assemblies includes: a bracket movably secured to the trackplate, a camera movably secured to the bracket, wherein the camera isrotatable in a plane perpendicular to the track plate, and a secondfastener for movably securing the bracket to the track plate. Theomnidirectional user configurable multi-camera housing further includesa transparent cover for covering the plurality of camera assembliesinstalled on the track plate; and a trim plate for securing thetransparent cover to the top plate with a plurality of third fasteners.The track plate includes: a plurality of first index holes around aperimeter of the track plate for configurable indexing a positioning andan alignment of a first portion of the plurality of camera assemblies, aplurality of second index holes around a center of the track plate forconfigurable indexing a positioning and an alignment of a second portionof the plurality of camera assemblies, a plurality of curve-shapedopenings to accommodate the plurality of first fasteners and allowmovement of the plurality of first fasteners within the curve-shapedopenings, respectively, for rotational movement of the track plate withrespect to the top plate, when the plurality of first fasteners areloosen, and an opening for a cable coupled to the one or more electroniccircuit boards.

In some embodiments, the present invention is an omnidirectional userconfigurable multi-camera housing that includes a top plate includingone or more electronic circuit boards thereon; a track plate secured tothe top plate by a plurality of first fasteners, wherein the track plateis rotationally movable with respect to the top plate via a respectivecurve-shaped opening that accommodates movement of a respective firstfastener within the respective curve-shaped opening; a plurality ofcamera assemblies secured to the track plate by a plurality of magneticdevices, each of the camera assemblies including a camera and a bracket,movably installed on the track, wherein each of the camera is rotatableon a respective bracket in a plane perpendicular to the track plate, andwherein each of the bracket are rotatable in a plane including the trackplate; and a transparent cover for covering the plurality of cameraassemblies installed on the track plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1A-1B depict an exemplary omnidirectional user configurablemulti-camera housing, according to some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 2A-2C show main components of an exemplary omnidirectional userconfigurable multi-camera housing, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 3A-3B show an exploded view of an exemplary omnidirectional userconfigurable multi-camera housing, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary camera bracket assembly, according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary camera bracketassembly, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A-6F show several examples of the placement configuration of thecamera assemblies in the housing, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 7A-7C depict an exemplary track plate without the cameraassemblies, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary detail view of a camera (lens) assembly,according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of how camera assemblies are installed andadjusted on a track plate, according to some embodiments of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some embodiments, the present invention is an omnidirectional userconfigurable multi-camera housing. The invention provides the user withcapabilities of placing multiple cameras movably attached to an indexedtrack plate, which is then placed in a housing with a transparent cover(“bubble”), for example, a plastic or glass cover, which has a lowprofile.

In some embodiments, a multi-sensor multi-megapixel camera housing,according to the present invention, provides ample resolution to zoom-infor details in live and recorded video. In some embodiments, the presentinvention integrates several imagers, each with a choice of IR correctedlens, into an impact resistant dome-shaped housing. A unique trackdesign allows several individual sensor gimbals to be independentlyplaced in a variety of user-configurable configurations, such as, fourcameras, each places at 90 degrees angle to each other, three or fivecameras placed in an ad hoc user configuration, or six or more camerasin equally or ad hoc angle with respect to each other. In someembodiments, each camera includes data compression capabilities toreduce bandwidth and storage requirements, while delivering full framerates and full resolution without sacrificing image quality. The presentinvention uniquely integrates and combines multiple cameras in a singlehousing with the ability to uniquely position each individual camerainside the housing to create desired field of views.

FIGS. 1A-1B depict an exemplary omnidirectional user configurablemulti-camera housing, according to some embodiments of the presentinvention. FIG. 1A is a side view of the housing. As shown in the sideview, a top plate 102, typically made of plastic or metal, houses one ormore circuit board containing electronics and related connections forthe multiple camera. The top plate 102 may also include a track plate,and the camera assemblies (not shown). A trim ring 104, which also maybe made of plastic or metal, attaches to a cover and, in conjunctionwith a cover gasket, uses fasteners to create a weatherproof seal. Atransparent cover 108, for example, a plastic dome-shaped cover is usedto enclose the cameras within the housing with the top plate 102. Insome embodiments, the cover 108 is truncated to be shaped as ahalf-sphere. The unique form/design of the bubble allows themulti-camera housing to be low-profile and have the optimal opticalcharacteristics by positioning the plastic cover at an optimal distancefrom the lens. The truncated portion allows for optimal opticalcharacteristics when camera assemblies are positioned directly above thetruncated section. The track plate carries the camera assemblies and maybe part of the top plate or a separate component attached to the topplate.

For example, if the cover were a complete half-sphere then, when thecamera is placed in one of the center positions on the track plate, thedistance from the image sensor or the lens to the bubble material wouldbe too large which would cause image distortion. The truncated sectioncreates a plane that is an optimal distance from the image sensor orlens. The rounded or spherical sides allow for an optimal distance fromthe image sensor or lens when the camera is places around the diameterof the track plate. The camera can be rotated or “tilted” 90 degrees andstill maintain the optimal distance due to the shape of the sphericalportion.

FIG. 1B is a top view of a omnidirectional user configurablemulti-camera housing. As shown, fasteners 110 are used to secure thetrim ring to the top plate and also secure the cover and the covergasket. In some embodiments, the fasteners are security torx typefasteners (also called pin-in-torx), although other fasteners such asdifferent types of screws, clips, brackets or the like may be used.

In some embodiments, the footprint of the housing is circular, as shownin the top view of FIG. 1B, although other footprints, such aselliptical square, rectangular or others are possible and within thescope of the present invention. The size of the housing is relativelysmall to be able to accommodate more versatile placement of the housingwith the multiple cameras. In some embodiments, the height of the entireassembly is less than about 3.5 inches, while the length and width(e.g., the diameter of the circular footprint) is less than 8 inches.

FIGS. 2A-2C show main components of an exemplary omnidirectional userconfigurable multi-camera housing, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention. As shown in the example of FIG. 2A, four camera(lens) assemblies 204 a, 204 b, 204 c and 204 d are placed within thetop plate 202 and installed on a track plate 218 (FIG. 2C). Cameraassembly 204 d is placed at the center of the track plate, while cameraassemblies 204 a, 204 b and 204 c are positioned around one half of thetrack plate, where camera assembly 204 a is within about 60 degrees ofeach of the camera assemblies 204 b and 204 c. Although four cameraspositioned at certain locations are depicted and described in FIGS.2A-2C, the omnidirectional user configurable multi-camera housing of thepresent invention is not limited to four camera assemblies and anyparticular positioning of any of the camera assemblies. Some otherexamples of multiple camera assembly placement and configuration areshown in FIG. 9. These user selectable configurations of FIG. 9, mayequally be applied to more or less than four camera assemblies.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, each camera assembly may include a camerasensor circuit board 208 that includes the electronics and connectionsfor each camera, a lens 206, a plastic or metal lens bracket 212 to holdthe parts together. Each camera assembly may also include a day/nightswitch 210 capable of moving a piece of infrared (IR) coated glass overthe sensor (camera lens) to allow different light spectrums in for daymode or night mode. In some embodiments, the camera assemblies aresecured to a track plate 218 using a fastening device, such as a screw,bracket, latch or the like, or some magnetic devices. In addition, thetrack plate 218 or the top plate supports one or more fans 216 forcooling the camera assemblies, one or more heating elements for heatingthe camera assemblies (not shown), one or more main circuit boards 220that includes the electronics common to all of the camera assemblies,and one or more connectors 214 for input/output signals to/from themulti-camera housing. This configuration allows for adjustability to panor tilt and to position each of the cameras individually, on the trackplate. The trim ring secures the cover and the cover gasket to the topplate to make the housing a weatherproof assembly.

FIGS. 3A-3B show an exploded view of an exemplary omnidirectional userconfigurable multi-camera housing, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 3A, a top gasket (e.g., a rubbergasket) is used for creating a weatherproof seal between multi-camerahousing (e.g., top plate) and mounting surface, for example a ceiling,wall or roof. In some embodiments, an NPT (national pipe thread) port302 is used (for example, on the side of the top plate) to connectconduit and to allow cabling from the side of the camera (or thehousing), rather than through the back of the camera (or the housing).

Each individual camera can be positioned in a variety of differentlocations on the track plate 318. The track plate includes a pluralityof index holes 308 at its perimeter for indexing positions for specificcamera assembly positioning and alignment. In some embodiments, theindex holes 308 are 5 degrees apart and are aligned in such a way (inconjunction with the track plate diameter) to allow for positioning thecamera to give 180, 270, and 360 degree fields of views. The index holesare optional to provide pre-defined positions and indexing locations.One or more magnets (magnetic devices) may be used in alternative or inaddition to the index holes (not shown). A plurality of larger holes 306are positioned close to the perimeter of the track plate for mountingthe camera. These hole 306 allow mounting screws (or fasteners) to passthrough the track plate and reach the mount holes in the top plate andthe opening (slit) 310 positioned close to the center of the trackplate. The slit 310 allows the wires connecting the camera sensor boardto the main board to pass through the track plate.

The track plate also includes a plurality of smaller holes 312 close toits center and arrange in a straight line also used to install thecamera assemblies in the center position(s), as shown in FIG. 4. Theholes 312 are similar in function to index holes 308. A plurality offasteners 304 secure the track plate to the top plate. The curved (forexample, oblique-shaped) openings/slots 304 a around the fasteners 304are thru hole slots that allow the user to adjust (rotate) the trackplate when the fasteners 304 are loosened, giving the user flexibilityto rotate the track plate (with respect to the top plate) independentlyof the top plate after the top plate has been affixed to its mountingsurface. This way, individual camera assemblies are secured using afastening device or magnetic device. In some embodiments, magnets areattached to the brackets (204 a in FIG. 2A) that affix to the trackplate allowing the user to affix a camera assembly to the track plate,without the constraints of the indexing holes. Camera assemblies whensecured are allowed to move or rotate to accommodate adjustments tofield of view.

As show in FIG. 3B, a cover gasket, for example, a rubber gasket, isused for creating a weatherproof seal between the top plate and thecover. A trim ring is used to secure the cover and the cover gasket tothe top plate. The cover is used to protect and/or hide the inside ofthe camera housing. In some embodiments, the cover is made of clearplastic, which can be tinted or mirrored finish. Each lens assemblyincludes a lens, a day/night switcher, a sensor circuit board, and abracket system that holds the parts together and mounts the assembly tothe track plate using a fastening device or magnets. The bracket systemallows the camera to tilt and pan while attached to the track plate.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary camera bracket assembly, according to someembodiments of the present invention. Each individual camera 404 can bepositioned in a variety of different locations on the track plate viathe bracket assembly. A fastener 402, such as a permanently attachedcaptive panel screw, is attached to the camera bracket 406 and used tohold the fastener in place while the bracket is being attached to thetrack plate. A captive fastener make installation easier as in manyinstances where gravity is working against the installer to prevent thefastener (e.g., screw) from falling. As shown, the camera is movablysecured to the bracket so that the camera can rotate in a planeperpendicular to the track plate, on which the bracket is movableinstalled. Also, as shown in FIG. 9 (arrow 901), the camera bracket canbe rotated on the track plate using the indexing hole or the magnets.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary camera bracketassembly, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Asshown, the camera bracket assembly includes a lens 502, a day/nightswitch 504, the circuit board 506 and a bracket 508. The components inthe exploded view interact with the bracket (base bracket with thefastener and magnets). These components mount to the base bracket insuch a way to allow for the camera assembly to tilt or rotate around theaxis where the two bracket parts opposing each other mate.

FIGS. 6A-6F shows several examples of the placement configuration of thecamera assemblies in the housing, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention. In some embodiments, the lens bracket assembly whichhouses the camera assembly has the ability to move around the trackplate, for example, in an elliptical or circular pattern in, forexample, 5° increments plus additional locations around the center ofthe camera; tilt, for example, up to 90° or more; and rotate around thecaptive fastener position. Each of these movements is depicted in FIG.9. In some embodiments, the lens bracket also has magnets attached tothe bottom surface of the lens bracket which provides more camerapositioning options at the expense of a secure attachment using the(captive) fastener.

As shown, the camera assemblies may be positioned on the track plate ina variety of user-selectable positions, for example, in a 270° viewingangle (FIG. 6A). Each of the 3 lenses has a horizontal field of view of90 degrees in a straight nine (FIG. 6B); 360° or hallway (FIG. 6C); 180°or panoramic (FIG. 6D); randomly (user configured) (FIG. 6E and FIG.6F). Although four camera assemblies are shown in FIGS. 6A-6F, asreadily understood by one skilled in the art, the present invention isnot limited to four camera assemblies, rather, any number of cameraassemblies can be used, as long as they fit within the housing.

FIGS. 7A-7C depict an exemplary track plate without the cameraassemblies, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Theunique design of the track plate allows each individual camera assemblyto be positioned in a desired location on the track plate to achieve adesired field of view. As shown, the track plate has a plurality ofindexing features 702 and 704 (holes) to secure the camera assembliesfor a customizable camera configurations and allow for camera assembliesto be secured using magnetics for more flexibility. The indexingfeatures 702 are formed around the perimeter of the track plate. In thisexample there are about 72 indexing features 702 that are placed apartfrom the previous feature by about 5 degrees, however, other numbers ofthe indexing feature are possible and within the scope of the presentinvention. Additionally the track plate includes an additional pluralityof indexing features 704 that are placed diagonally going through thecenter of the track plate. These second batch of the indexing features704 are used to position one or more camera assemblies in the middle orcenter of the track plate.

Openings (holes) 706 are used to mount the camera to a ceiling ormounting bracket. A slit-shaped opening 708 in the middle of the trackplate allows for cables to pass thru the track plate from the maincircuit board to the sensor circuit boards. Several curved (for example,oblique-shaped) openings 710 are arranged around the perimeter of thetrack plate and inward of the indexing features 702. Theseoblique-shaped openings 710 are used for mounting the track plate to thetop plate and allow for rotational adjustment of the track platerelative to the top plate. A larger opening 712 is configured, shapedand placed within the track plate to accommodate access to the networkport, auxiliary power connectors and to allow cables to pass thru thetrack plate from the main circuit board to the sensor circuit boards. Insome embodiments, the circuit board is secured to the top plate usingfasteners.

The slots 714 mount the track plate to the top plate and allow forrotational adjustment of the track plate relative to the top plate, whenthe fasteners (e.g., screws) are loose. Once positioned, the fastenersare tightened down and the track plate is secured. This feature isuseful when the top plate is securely installed and the installer needsto adjust the track plate position. One or more access ports 716 areused for running cable through the top plate and provide access to thecameras and Ethernet jack 718, which is used to communicate with thecameras. The access port is typically covered by a gasket. In someembodiments, it is covered by the top gasket. The access port ispositioned in a location that allows for the cable to have sufficientbend radius (i.e. not directly under the track plate). The Ethernet jack718 allows the camera assemblies to connect to a network and allows forpower over Ethernet to power the cameras. Screws 720 attach the trimring to the top plate. When assembled, the screws 720 capture and holdthe bubble and bubble gasket in place by sandwiching them between thetrim ring and top plate.

The side view of the track plate is shown in FIG. 7C. As shown, in theseembodiments, the track plate is a relatively thin planar plate that ismade of sturdy material such as metal, or hard plastic.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary detail view of a camera (lens) assembly,according to some embodiments of the present invention. In someembodiments, the day/night switch is an electro-mechanical device thatslides an IR coated glass in front of the sensor for daytime andnighttime operation. The metal bracket holds the day/night switch andsensor circuit board together. It also attaches to the lens assemblybracket and allows day/night switcher and sensor circuit board torotate. The sensor circuit board is a printed circuit board withmegapixel CMOS image sensor. The lens assembly bracket is a plastic ormetal bracket used to hold the lens, day/night switcher/sensor circuitboard combination and to secure the entire assembly to the track plate.It also holds the captive fastener and magnets.

The captive fastener attaches the lens assembly bracket to the trackplate. The screw may be a captive screw so as that it won't fall downduring camera setup. Magnets may be attached to the lens assemblybracket that provide a secondary and more flexible way to mount the lensassembly bracket.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of how camera assemblies are installed andadjusted on a track plate, according to some embodiments of the presentinvention. As shown, camera assemblies have the ability to tilt theimage, rotate on the camera assembly, and rotate on the track plate. Thearrow 901 illustrates how the camera assembly is able to rotate aroundthe axis created by the captive fastener 903. In this example, therotation can be accomplished when the camera is affixed to the trackplate in any position using the captive fastener. Further positioning ofthe camera assembly can be accomplished by using magnets to secure thecamera assemblies, instead of the fasteners. The arrow 902 illustrateshow each individual camera assembly can be mounted in any positionaround the track plate using the pre-defined positioning holes. usingthe (captive) fastener 903 or magnets. The arrow 904 illustrates how thecamera assembly can tilt or rotate on the axis through the camerabracket.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications may be made to the illustrated and other embodiments ofthe invention described above, without departing from the broadinventive scope thereof. It will be understood therefore that theinvention is not limited to the particular embodiments or arrangementsdisclosed, but is rather intended to cover any changes, adaptations ormodifications which are within the scope of the invention as defined bythe appended claims and drawings.

What is claimed is:
 1. An omnidirectional user configurable multi-camerahousing comprising: a top plate; a track plate secured to the top plateby a plurality of first fasteners, wherein the track plate is movablewith respect to the top plate; a plurality of camera assemblies movablyinstalled on the track plate and within the top plate, each comprising:a bracket movably secured to the track plate, and a camera movablysecured to the bracket; a transparent cover for covering the pluralityof camera assemblies installed on the track plate; and a trim plate forsecuring the transparent cover to the top plate with a plurality ofthird fasteners, wherein the track plate includes: a plurality of firstindex openings around a perimeter of the track plate for configurablyindexing a positioning and an alignment of a first portion of theplurality of camera assemblies, a plurality of second index openings forconfigurably indexing a positioning and an alignment of a second portionof the plurality of camera assemblies, a plurality of openings toaccommodate the plurality of first fasteners and allow movement of theplurality of first fasteners within the openings, respectively, formovement of the track plate with respect to the top plate, and anopening for a wire.
 2. The omnidirectional user configurablemulti-camera housing of claim 1, further comprising a top gasketattached to the top plate for a weatherproof seal between the top plateand a mounting surface for the housing.
 3. The omnidirectional userconfigurable multi-camera housing of claim 1, further comprising a covergasket attached to the top plate for a weatherproof seal between the topplate and the cover.
 4. The omnidirectional user configurablemulti-camera housing of claim 1, wherein the plurality of second indexopenings are positioned around a center of the track plate.
 5. Theomnidirectional user configurable multi-camera housing of claim 1,wherein one or more of the plurality of camera assemblies include aday/night switch for moving a piece of infrared (IR) coated glass over acamera lens to allow different light spectrums in for a day mode or anight mode.
 6. The omnidirectional user configurable multi-camerahousing of claim 1, further comprising one or more fans for cooling theplurality of camera assemblies.
 7. The omnidirectional user configurablemulti-camera housing of claim 1, wherein the camera is rotatable in aplane perpendicular to the track plate.
 8. The omnidirectional userconfigurable multi-camera housing of claim 1, further comprises a secondfastener for movably securing the bracket to the track plate.
 9. Theomnidirectional user configurable multi-camera housing of claim 1,wherein a footprint of the housing is circular or elliptical.